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Posts Tagged ‘Adventureland’

Walt Disney World is known for its magic and entertainment, but did you know that the ultimate vacation destination is also known to be educational? As an educator and a huge Disney World fan, I see the Disney Parks as the ultimate classroom and pixie dusted learning experience. If you’re a homeschool parent or interested in how your kids can learn while on vacation or during the summer months, take a look at Theme Park Classroom: American History Lesson Plan for the Magic Kingdom Part I.

Subject: American History

Grade Level: 4th-12th Note: Children learn in different ways and at different speeds and no lesson or lesson plan is ever one size fits all. Please use this plan as an outline, or even as a source of inspiration, and tailor it to meet your child’s needs, abilities, and age level.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Europe wanted to trade with the Far East, which are nations such as China, Japan, and India. Why? These nations had products people in Europe didn’t have, like tea, spices, and silk.

The problem was that maps were incomplete and nations like China and India were difficult to get to. Therefore, European nations began sending out explorers to find easier ways to reach the Far East and to claim and explore any new land they discovered.

Activity:

#1: Navigate with a Park Map. Grab a map when entering the park and have your student use it to navigate their way to the entrance of Adventureland, all while explaining that explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries didn’t have accurate maps. But when you reach the entrance to Adventureland, take the map and put it away explaining that they have to explore Adventureland without a map like the European explorers had to do!

As I’ve said before in this Disneyland vs. Disney World series, Disney never does the same thing twice! It’s a common misconception that Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and the Disneyland Park are basically the same experience but on different coasts. That is absolutely not true! Even though Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was inspired after the original Disneyland Park, it was never intended to be a carbon copy. Both parks offer their own exclusive attractions, restaurants, character interactions, style, and overall experience. Of course, that gives rise to the question of which park is truly the best? That’s the question I intend to answer in perhaps the most ambitious installment of Disneyland vs. Disney World: The Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park Part II.

Everyone loves their Main Street, U.S.A. I know it’s the land I miss most when I’m not at the parks. The problem with comparing the two is that they are each unique and my favorite tends to depend on my mood. Seriously, my pick could be different by tomorrow! Anyway, let’s begin with the first thing guests seen when approaching either park, the train stations.

Mayor Weaver of Main Street, U.S.A. will be happy to give you a handshake and a business card

The Magic Kingdom’s Train Station is two stories high, spacious, and also symmetrical in comparison to Disneyland’s. It hosts the morning Welcome Show and offers fantastic seating for the parades and fireworks. Disneyland’s Train Station is more quaint and resembles a station that would have existed for an actual small town. It also serves as a stage for entertainment too.

Once guests enter the park, they find themselves at Town Square. Disneyland’s doesn’t seem as big as the Magic Kingdom’s, but it offers a park-like atmosphere with more trees and benches and its Main Street Vehicles operate into the afternoon while the Magic Kingdom’s only run a few hours in the morning. Disneyland’s Town Square is also rich with history due to The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the Opera House and the lamp burning in the window of Walt’s private apartment at the fire house. But I can’t fail to mention that Magic Kingdom’s Harmony Barber Shop, where guests can actually get haircuts with a touch of pixie dust!

Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A.

Now the Magic Kingdom offers the best view down Main Street, U.S.A. due to the size of Cinderella Castle, and the whole street has a slightly grander and more ornate look than Disneyland’s. Although, I think Disneyland’s storefronts boast a bit more personality, inside and out, and I appreciate their few unique, specialized shops. I also believe that Disneyland’s Main Street dining options are a little better too. I love the Market House Starbucks, the menu at Carnation Café, and everything at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. But I do prefer the setting and character experience at the Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace, as well as Casey’s Corner menu and theme, compared to Disneyland’s The Plaza Inn and Refreshment Corner respectively. Lastly, I think the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. does just a little better when it comes to entertainment due to the charming Main Street Trolley Show and Main Street, U.S.A. Actors.

Overall, I’m giving this category to Disneyland, but just barely! Disneyland’s dining, Town Square, and history just put it over the top, even though it’s difficult to beat that postcard view down the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. How long? Today marks the THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! What started out as a simple $1 bet between Len Testa and Laurel Stewart to see if they could take a simple Florida blogger and turn him into a two time runDisney medal winner/PizzaMania champion, has transformed into what many would consider the 9th Wonder of the Modern World (in terms of “people wonder why we keep writing it.”) The best rags-to-riches story this side of Cinderella, our monthly treks into Orlando’s Disney Outlet Stores have provided highs and lows (and then even more lows) in order to deliver you, Dear Reader, a glimpse into a world which very few have lived long enough to tell about. A sincere thank you to each and every one of you for taking the time to read this little article. Except Tom Bricker, of course.

Also, in an unbelievable gesture, we have been swamped with “congratulations” messages and telegrams from people around the globe and we’re going to print some of them here, so keep your eye out!

Enough jibber jabber! Who is ready to hit the Outlets? Remember that clicking on any picture will open a full size version of it (don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

As always we start off with any new Tsum Tsums and this month we only had one. I spent a couple seconds trying to figure out which Star Wars character it might be until realizing it was Black Widow from The Avengers. All Tsums have been reduced to $2.99.

Black Widow Tsum Tsum, but doesn’t that look like a lightsaber on her side?!

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This is interesting. Last month I made a slight “faux pas” and identified the Mother Gothel Tsum Tsum as MULAN. All of a sudden, for the first time ever, a TSUM TSUM GUIDE FOR DUMMIES appeared showing people who each Tsum Tsum was and what movie they were from. I’m not 100% sure you can all blame my accidental racism for this chart, but I’m also too old to believe in coincidences.

Tsum Tsum For Dummies.

Speaking of things I don’t understand…

POKEMON AT THE DISNEY OUTLET STORE!

We wrote about Pokemon Go this week in the SATURDAY SIX (go ahead and read that masterpiece, don’t worry, we’ll be here when you get back) and honestly, the game makes absolutely no sense to me. Then again neither did “on fleek,” gluten free desserts, or Universal’s Straight Outta Food Truck. For those of you who do play Pokemon Go, you’ll be glad to know you can catch various Pokemon at the Disney Outlets!

Pokemon Go! at the Disney Outlet Store. Reports are that people are going all around the globe to catch Pokemon but many are just catching the Zika virus. (photo by Julia Mascardo)

Was a little surprised to see these Magic Kingdom salt and pepper trashcans make their way to the Outlets. Originally $9.99, now $3.99 and I picked up the Frontierland and Fantasyland ones. This is one of those 50% bonkers/50% absolutely awesome items. Going to try to slip these into the rotation for our next dinner party and wait for one of my non-Disney neighbors to ask which garbage can has the salt.

Would have paid extra for the “Talking Push” variant.

Pretty sure this is the first appearance of a SHELLIE MAY item at the Outlets. This pillow pet was originally $29.95, now $9.99 and yes, I bought one. My secret shame.

Guests who participate in the interactive game, A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas at the Magic Kingdom will have the opportunity to earn a bonus FastPass+ for Pirates of the Caribbean. To earn your extra FastPass, Guests will need to complete at least three of the five different missions of the game to earn this FastPass bonus.

Guests will continue to receive the Collectible Treasurer Finder Cards after completing each mission, as well.

The game, takes Guests on five missions on a quest to find lost treasure with Captain Jack Sparrow around Adventureland. To sign up for the adventure, Guests must visit The Crow’s Nest located in between Pirates of the Caribbean and the Golden Oak Outpost. Each mission takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Keep in mind this is a limited test; no official end date has been announced.

The Magic Kingdom’s most recent restaurant, Jungle Skipper Canteen has, in the past, not allowed for advance reservations. Instead, Guests were able to walk up to the restaurant, put down their name, and they would be notified that their table was ready via text.

Well, as part of a test, from February 12-27, Guests will have the opportunity to make same-day reservations for either lunch or dinner at the Adventureland table service location. To do so, Guests can visit jungleskippercanteen.com or call 407-939-1933 on the day of their visit. A credit card will be required at the time of the reservation and the standard cancellation policies still apply.

Guests who do not wish to made advance reservations will still have the opportunity to inquire about the restaurant availability at the restaurant’s podium.

One of the many things I love and appreciate about the Disney Parks is that, while they are constantly evolving and improving, they stay true to their history and even celebrate it; and when I’m at Walt Disney World, I’m always looking for it. Much to my family’s chagrin, I have this inner need to educate them about the history of each attraction we find ourselves waiting in line for or about the individual windows on Main Street, U.S.A., or about the original name of Cinderella’s Royal Table or…well…you get the idea. As you can imagine, this self-pronounced Disney World Historian was beyond thrilled to experience her first trip to the Disneyland Park to finally walk in Walt’s footsteps, a literal treasure trove of Disney History and the original. So stay tuned for A Disney World Historian’s Guide to the Disneyland Park.

Walt’s Bench

Main Street, U.S.A.

There is so much history for the Walt Disney World fan to appreciate on the original Main Street, U.S.A., more than I could ever mention in one article! However, a personal favorite of mine has to be Walt Disney’s Griffith Park Bench found just inside the Opera House. According to Walt, he was sitting on a bench in Griffith Park watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round when he first dreamed up a Disney-themed park where families could have fun together.

The Opera House is also where guests can take in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the predecessor to the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Walt originally wanted audio-animatronic American Presidents in a show, but the technology just wasn’t available at the time for such a large-scale show. It was possible, however, when Walt Disney World opened and The Hall of Presidents was somewhat of a fulfillment of Walt’s original vision. Therefore, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is something every Disney World Historian should check out and is sure to create an even greater appreciation for The Hall of Presidents.

We’re back with everyone’s favorite theme park advent calendar: a daily countdown of our favorite drinks at Walt Disney World,Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld building anticipation to the Big Day.

Criteria: Drinks can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Drinks can come from any venue on property. Bonus points awarded for atmosphere where the drink is served. Any drink with glow cubes is immediately disqualified. Ready? Let’s go!

DAY FOURTEEN: at Schweitzer Slush Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom)

First concocted by the noted explorer and humanitarian, Albert Slush.

Sweitzer Slush at Skipper Canteen. (photo by Brandon Glover)

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Fresh off the opening of Thirsty River Bar late last week, Walt Disney World saw a new table service restaurant soft open yesterday with the Jungle Navigation Co LTD Skipper Canteen. The first new table service at the Magic Kingdom since Be Our Guest Restaurant, Skipper Canteen continues the trend of being magnificently themed inside with a ton of references for Disney fans. Skipper Canteen does not feature any alcohol, but it does have two signature drinks, including the one we are going to spotlight today: Schweitzer Slush. Cleverly referencing one of the longtime gags in the Jungle Cruise (Schweitzer Falls), the Schweitzer Slush is visually interesting as it is one of the only drinks featuring boba balls that puts the balls on top of the drink. Most drinks featuring boba balls have them at the bottom, such as Fishy Green Ale in Diagon Alley.

As big fans of good Disney souvenir cups, we recommend getting the Schweitzer Slush served in the great Jungle Skipper Canteen souvenir mug. While not technically a Moscow Mule mug (because – while metal – it is not made out of copper), it has the look and feel of one and includes the Skipper Canteen logo and Adventureland. It’s the little things we love.

The Jungle Skipper Canteen, the brand new Adventureland table service restaurant, will officially open at the Magic Kingdom on December 16.

The story behind this restaurant is that the crew of the World Famous Jungle Cruise are here to serve up a side of signature jungle skipper humor with every meal in one of three fantastic dining rooms. The room’s themes include a crew mess hall and a once hidden, secret meeting room of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.

Dishes include grilled steak, head-on shrimp, curried vegetable stew, and a rice noodle bowl. For dessert guests can choose from things like a coconut bar and a dessert called Kungaloosh!, not to be confused with the infamous Kunglaoosh alcoholic beverage formerly served at The Adventurer’s Club. Instead the Kungalooh here is an African-inspired chocolate cake. Themed, non-alcoholic specialty drinks include things such as the Punch Line Punch and Schweitzer Slush. Oh and for those looking for unique souvenir mugs, Jungle Skipper Canteen has a great one!

The Skipper Canteen — officially the unwieldy Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen — soft opened today in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom. It is a brand new restaurant themed to be the mess hall for the skippers from the nearby Jungle Cruise. “Soft opening” is a phrase meaning that the venue is still being tested and not officially open, so it may close at any time without warning.

That said, friends of the blog Darren Wittko and Brandon Glover managed to saunter in and take some photos for us this morning. Have a look! (And don’t forget to check out Derek Burgan’s look at the Skipper Canteen’s signature drinks including the Schweitzer Slush).

Main Dining Area of Skipper Canteen

Side Dining Room and former secret meeting place of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.)

Enough jibber jabber! Who is ready to hit the Outlets? Remember that clicking on any picture will open a full size version of it (don’t say we didn’t warn you).

First up is a Goofy’s Candy Company Gumball Machine. Who doesn’t like a gumball machine? It’s unAmerican not to!

Gumball.

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For the first time EVER, Disney Infinity items were reduced for clearance at the Outlet. There had occasionally been a Disney Infinity figure here or there for sale, but always at full price. This month had a slew of figures marked down, including everyone’s favorite Frozen sisters reduced to $14.99.